Summer Jam Brings Music To Children

Erin Masotta, the resident who first raised the idea for the concert series with Parks and Recreation Director Amy Mangold, sits with her family minutes before Wednesday’s performance began. With her are her husband John and son Noah, seated, and daughter Ivy.

Photo: Kendra Bobowick

Oliver Pategas and his friends Brooke and Rylan Kennedy shared a blanket Wednesday, enjoying their front row seat to see Vanessa Trien and the Jumping Monkeys.

Photo: Kendra Bobowick

A large crowd gathered before the new band shell on June 26, where a Wednesday afternoon concert series is being offered for children this summer.

Photo: Kendra Bobowick

Vanessa Trien and the Jumping Monkeys, a band based out of Boston, opened the new Summer Jam Concert Series at Dickinson Park on Wednesday afternoon. From left are bass player Paul Kochanski, Vanessa Trien on vocals and guitar, and Julie Rama Winslow, also on vocals and guitar. The free outdoor concert series hosted by Newtown Parks & Recreation will continue offering weekly concerts for families and children ages 10 and under until August 7.

Erin Masotta quickly dished out a homemade lunch to her children Noah and Ivy. Their father John Masotta soon joined them on a picnic blanket among a crowd of other families gathering in front of the band shell at Dickinson Park.

Just past noon Wednesday, Vanessa Trien and the Jumping Monkeys stepped on stage as a crowd of families, summer day campers, and parents grew. The first concert of the new Summer Jam Concert Series was about to begin. By 12:30 pm Parks and Recreation Director Amy Mangold introduced Ms Trien, a friend of her from “years ago,” and two members of her band, from Boston. Joining Ms Trien onstage Wednesday were Jumping Monkeys guitarist and vocalist Julie Rama-Winslow and stand-up bass player Paul Kochanski.

Before the interactive show began — Ms Trien would soon lead the children through sing-alongs — she recalled months ago “I had wanted to do something for Newtown.” Still friendly with members of Ms Mangold’s family, Ms Trien had mentioned her interest in coming to Newtown. Word soon got to Ms Mangold, who, post 12/14, had been talking with Ms Masotta. She is the resident who had first approached Ms Mangold with the idea for a concert series for children.

After December 2012, Ms Masotta said, “We had so many offers.” Thinking ahead to months past the tragedy in Sandy Hook, she said, “We wanted to bring children together and be happy over the summer.” A children’s concert series came to mind “because music is so important to them.”

“I knew she was a successful children’s performer,” Ms Mangold said. Although Ms Trien had wanted to reach out to Newtown months ago, she had been reluctant. Similarly, Ms Mangold hesitated to contact Ms Trien in Boston, assuming she was busy. Joking that she and Ms Mangold were “two women who didn’t want to impose” on one another, they finally connected.

Seated on a blanket in the shade minutes before the music began were Oliver Pategas, and Brooke and Rylan Kennedy. Like many around them, the children had a close view of the band shell and musicians playing just for them.

Concerts scheduled through August 7 will take place weekly on Wednesdays at 12:30 pm at Dickinson Park. The free outdoor concerts bring music to families and children (ages 10 and under).

A host of local businesses, including Presenting Sponsor Claris Construction Inc, are supporting the series. Gold Sponsors include Caraluzzi’s, Andy Sachs The Around Town Team at Coldwell Banker, People’s United Bank, and Union Savings Bank.